Nature Center Location / History
Robert Moses State Park was
constructed in the late 1950s. The Robert Moses state Park Nature
Center Naturew began as a self-guided exploratory room in approximately
1983. Past park manager, Peter Sainola was
an avid bird-watcher. He opened one room after another, filling them
with donated mounted animals and other items of interest. Trails were
also constructed and by 1990 the first Conservation Educator was hired
to offer environmental education programs both on and off-site. A
variety of environmental education programs are available to schools
and special interest groups year round. All programs meet the NYS
Science standards. Follow our link to discover the programs that are
available.
In November of 1999, a Fireside Chat was
held and a call of interest was extended to those who cared about the
future of the Nature Center. From there, the ideas and plan for a
non-profit Friends of the Nature Center blossomed. By January of 2000,
Friends of the NatureCenter was incorporated as a 501c3 organization.
The Nature Center is now open year-round,
7 days a week. There is no entrance fee to the center or the park. The
NatureCenter houses educational displays and hands-on exhibits. Live
animals are also on display, many of whom were adopted from people in
the area. If you follow the link to visit our virtual tour of the
NatureCenter you will find more than one cute, furry face.
Special workshops are offered on many
Saturdays and during school vacations. Topics range from scientific
explorations to art and sports. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are
available to rent during the winter months. Nature Center staff,
volunteers and special educators lead programs. All program fees and giftshop proceeds directly support the costs of animal care and maintenance.
The future of the NatureCenter is a bright
one. With support from New York State Parks, the community and Friends
of the NatureCenter, it will continue to grow and flourish.
Environmental education programs, special workshops and events for the
public will continue to change and evolve. There will always be
something new to see or do at the Nature Center . Join us and see for
yourself!
From the East:
Take Rt. 37 west to Massena, N.Y. Once you
see the St. Lawrence Centre mall on your left, you will see large
highway signs for the Nature Center and Robert Moses State Park. Turn
right onto Rt. 131 across from the mall. Follow that road and go
through the Eisenhower tunnel. The St. Lawrence Seaway and Eisenhower
Locks will be above you as you go through the tunnel. Continue on this
road approximately 1.5 miles and take your next right onto Robinson Bay
Road. Turn left into the Nature Center .25 miles further up the road.
From the west:
Take Rt. 37 East to Massena, N.Y.
Once you see the St. Lawrence Centre mall on your right, you will see
large highway signs for the Nature Center and Robert Moses State Park.
Turn left onto Rt. 131 across from the mall. Follow that road and go
through the Eisenhower tunnel. The St. Lawrence Seaway and Eisenhower
Locks will be above you as you go through the tunnel. Continue on this
road approximately 1.5 miles and take your next right onto Robinson Bay
Road. Turn left into the Nature Center .25 miles further up the road.
